With the long holiday weekend coming up, some people may be tempted to break the rules around social distancing.
The Windsor Essex County Health Unit strongly recommends residents remain in their homes unless it is to pick up groceries or go to the pharmacy. The province has also banned social gatherings of more than five people and ordered all non-essential businesses to close. Municipalities across the region have also shut down their recreational facilities, including playgrounds.
While most are following the rules, some still are not, and repeat or blatant offenders could face stiff fines.
If you have a complaint about someone not social distancing, there are a couple of ways you can report it to the authorities.
Do not call 911. That number is reserved for emergencies.
In Windsor, complainants should call the 311 Call Centre during the work week between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., or the Windsor Police Service non-emergency number at 519-258-6111 after hours.
In Amherstburg, complainants are asked to call Amherstburg Town Hall Bylaw Enforcement at 519-736-0012 Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The office is closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Amherstburg residents can call the non-emergency number at the Windsor Police Service after hours.
In LaSalle, police encourage residents to use the online reporting tool on its website or call 519-969-5210.
In Kingsville, Essex, Lakeshore, Tecumseh and Leamington, call the Ontario Provincial Police non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122 or use their online reporting tool.
Bylaw enforcement officers in each town are working with the OPP.
Kingsville residents can also call the Municipal Office at 519-733-2305 or report the incident online.
Leamington residents can contact the municipality at 519-326-5761 or use their online reporting feature.
In Tecumseh, call 519-735-2184. Complaints can also be filed on the town's website.
Essex residents can call bylaw enforcement at their town hall at 519-776-7336 ext. 1400 or email bylaw@essex.ca during regular business hours.
The Town of Lakeshore's website directs residents to contact the OPP.
Anyone who does not correctly identify themselves to a provincial offences officer could be fined $750, or $1,000. Violating an emergency order could mean a fine of up to $100,000 or a year in jail for an individual. For the director of a corporation, the penalty is $500,000, and $10-million for the corporation.
Citizens are asked to use their best judgement and report only blatant infractions.
